Sunday, February 10, 2008

Virtually Idiotproof Recipe Debut

I'm thinking of starting a new feature called "Virtually Idiotproof Recipes." Let me know what you think!

I'm NOT known for my culinary skills. And while my kitchen is a pretty good size for an urban apartment (i had one for a while that barely fit a trash can), there's almost no counterspace. And did I mention that I'm NOT known for my culinary skills???!!! Thank God I have a husband who doesn't care. He's chosen his priorities, and a gourmet meal every night... or ever... is not one of them.

So here's Virtually Idiotproof Recipe #1. When I worked at Great Big Ad Agency, I lamented once to our Radio Producer that I was sick to death of Lean Cuisine and pasta. His wife sent him in with this the next day. You can keep the ingredients stashed in the kitchen for "emergencies."

Tortellini Soup2 cloves garlic, crushed (ok, i cheat and use a few scoops out of a jar of diced garlic)1 tbsp olive oil2 13+ oz cans chicken broth1 8 oz pkg frozen cheese tortellini1 10 oz pkg frozen chopped spinach (doesn't have to be thawed, but it speeds the cooking process if you do)1 16 oz can Italian-style stewed tomatoes

Saute the garlic in the olive oil until almost brown (2 min?). Add chicken broth. If the spinach is still frozen, add it now and simmer until is it thawed, then proceed. Otherwise, add the tortellini and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer 10 min. Add spinach (if you thawed it first) and tomoatoes. Simmer 5 minutes.

I usually double the recipe. Not only do I not cook a gourmet meal every night, I don't exactly even cook every night. And yet I drool over the gizmos featured on I Want That! Kitchens on HGTV. Go figure.

Urban Mom

About Me

Living on the north side of Chicago, somewhere between Wrigley Field and the Lake. Married to Urban Dad, an amazing English teacher at Great Big Urban High School and mom to two Urban Kids that we've opted to homeschool. Urban Kid 1 is 7 1/2 years old. Urban Kid 2 is 4 years old.
The biggest rule of this blog is that I don't use our real names or recognizable pictures of us. I'm a bit paranoid that way. But in return, you get to hear the thoughts that are banging around in my head. I know... you'd rather see the cute pictures of the kids...